America, Italy and Montenegro – anything in common?

Immigration to any of these countries for citizenship is not an easy process. Years ago it was somewhat easier. Having dual citizenship can be an awesome feat. Owning property does not give one citizenship. So beyond citizenship, what else?

Read more: America, Italy and Montenegro – anything in common?

Montegrinis and Italians smoke a lot more than Americans. No surprise there. And the Balkan people that are tourists here smoke heavily. A pack of cigarettes is 3€ here. Very cheap. Also they have these very tiny cigs. Yes of course I tried these slim short ones. Nah, I don’t inhale and I’m just not good at it. Far more expensive in the US and bigger cigs.

One place I get lost, and you would also, is the grocery stores. All very different! Interestingly Montenegro imports a lot of Italian foods. Especially the pastas and sauces. But Montenegro has its own ‘reddish’ sauces that look spicy and interesting. Produce is local in Italy and Montenegro. Making it taste much better and fresher. Stores have extensive produce and bakeries. I think Italy has the best bakeries/pasticcerias and of course France does too…but I digress. Bread here is pretty good. Fresh hot bread in Italy and Montenegro is a staple. And heavenly.

The three languages are soooo different. Italian and English have more in common from a Latin base of the languages. The Serbian language (main one here) and other Balkan languages are quite similar. However 12+ consonants and one vowel can be daunting and pretty unpronounceable for us Americans! I have managed to learn about 3 words. It is a hard language for sure.

There seem to be more English speakers here and what nice people! They are quite appreciative of hearing us say hello or thank you in Montegrini! They smile a lot. And they are quite tolerant of the many tourists that come here. Kotor is clearly the most lovely city and the Old Town is quite interesting.

Buses abound in Italy and Montenegro. And some trains in Montenegro but not in Kotor. Trains and buses are everywhere in Italy. America…totally dependent on cars with way fewer buses and trains. Motorcycles are everywhere in Italy and Montenegro. Italy has 60M residents; Montenegro has 695K. America has 335-340M. Which explains how food systems in these countries is different and in America there is more focus on ‘shelf life’ than ‘fresh’. The produce continues to be amazing in both Montenegro and Italy.

Each country deals with poverty, hunger and homeless similarly. But I see much less in Italy and Montenegro. Maybe due to size? Maybe due to healthcare and economic factors?

Although Kotor has a large Old Town (Unesco World Heritage site) and amazing mountains and bay, trains are not here. Buses everywhere and taxis are the options. A heavy Turkish influence is here. In retail shops and coffee! The coffee is so strong. I have a couple places that have ‘normal’ coffee! Non Turkish. Restaurants offer a mix of the Balkan dishes and the Turkish dishes. And I’ve identified a couple excellent restaurants…many vegetarian dishes here. I find the food healthy in the vegetarian offerings. Very cool.

The huge cruise liners are in port just about every day. The influx of passengers to Old Town can be overwhelming. Walking tours, boat tours, bus tours…and the new Cable Cars up the mountains all bring in a huge economic profit to this beautiful area. There is a grave and growing concern that these huge ships are ruining the bay. I can see the ongoing damage to sea life and water quality. Pretty sad. Most ‘locals’ want the ships anchored in the Adriatic and passengers brought in by smaller skiffs. They are right.

Kotor saw the bay become crystal clear with herds of dolphins during the pandemic lockdown. Hopefully they will go the way of Venice and large ships will not be allowed in the bay in the not too distant future.

I have found the food to be good and interesting cuisine but of course, Italy wins over most countries including America. No surprise there. Produce here is very good. Fresh. Like Italy. There is some liquor that is 53% alcohol! A Montenegro specialty. I may have to try a sip before I depart!! Montenegro has some very good wines also.

Should you visit? Indeed. The historic sites are so interesting. And the mountains are breathtaking! Beaches rocky but the water is gorgeous. No shortage of shopping and restaurants here. I walk the bay every day. It’s so relaxing and just beautiful. Cafes abound along the bay. A lot of smaller boats and the boat tours are incredible. The numerous seaside towns are pretty cool and I visit them. Buses are easy to take, not so much on time. But the scenery is extraordinary. There are wild goats and donkeys on the mountains. I got a few photos of the goats. The mountains are very strenuous and would be most difficult to climb although hiking paths exist. The history of this small but proud country is fascinating. And the inhabitants are very proud of their country. The ships that visit this port are sometimes huge with passengers and sometimes these fascinating masted schooners. Very cool. I’m here for another month. A few more places to see…that may be quite surprising to both of us! Wish me luck!!!